Travel smartcards similar to the Oyster cards used in London will be rolled out across the country, the transport secretary has announced.

Going underground: Oyster cards could be extended across the UK (Picture: Getty)

The plans could lead to the launch of a nationwide swipe card that would allow people to travel across the country on public transport with just one electronic ticket.

‘Working together with industry we will expand smart ticketing technologies to give more passengers the kinds of benefits that passengers in the capital already enjoy with Oyster cards,’ Justine Greening told the Commons.

The plans come as the government said it would accept most of the recommendations made in a report by Sir Roy McNulty outlining up to £1 billion worth of savings by 2019.

Included in them are proposals to introduce variable fares to discourage people from travelling during very specific times during the morning and evening rush hours.

‘We also want to introduce new kinds of season tickets, recognising the reality that not all commutes take place five days a week during rush hour,’ Ms Greening added.

But transport unions said up to 12,000 jobs could be lost as a result of the reforms.

‘This isn’t a recipe for efficiency, it’s a recipe for exploitation with the train operators given the green light to rob passengers blind to travel on overcrowded and unsafe trains in the name of private profit,’ RMT general secretary Bob Crow said.

‘Axing ticket offices and guards will turn stations and trains into a criminal’s paradise.’

Mr Crow continued: ‘This plan also sets us on course for a return to the dark and dangerous days of Railtrack that led to the disasters of Hatfield and Potters Bar.

‘For the first time since the creation of a nationalised Network Rail the way is being paved for private companies to run localised, mini-Railtrack concessions in the name of greed and profit.’